The Jamaica Constabulary Force staged a momentous passing out parade on Thursday, November 5 for the 139 trailblazing men and women batch of 156, who have now taken up the mantle of serving and protecting the nation’s people.
Sergeant Shermaine Hassock, Mistress of Ceremonies for the past 12 years, gracefully chronicled the graduation’s proceedings from the outset to the final moment. Clouds hung low, releasing rain intermittently, but that failed to dampen the spirits of the proud graduates, their families, friends, and well-wishers.
Batch 156 commenced their basic training at the Twickenham Park training campus on January 07, 2024, under the guidance of several highly-skilled officers and sub-officers headed by, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Training Branch and Director of National Police College of Jamaica, Mr. Merrick Watson. Batch 156, under the governance of their able trainers, spearheaded several philanthropic outreach activities in and around the corporate area and a section of the National Police College, which now boasts a new paint job.
Special Guests
Several specially invited guests were in attendance to witness the transition of the newest members of the constabulary. The first arrival, Dr Kevin Blake, Commissioner of Police, was capably escorted by Mr. Merrick Watson, Assistant Commissioner of Police, and Mr. Lawrence Ogilvie, Superintendent of Police.
The second whistle signalled the arrival of the second specially invited guest, the Honourable Doctor Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister of Jamaica and Minister of National Security. Dr. Chang took his place on the saluting dias, where he received a sword salute from the parade. Afterwards, the members of the graduating class did their march pass, signalling their official transformation from Trainee Constables to Constables.
The second segment of the graduation ceremony was ushered in with the valedictory speech by Constable Renae McIntosh and Constable David Patterson. They proudly recounted stories of resilience, courage and perseverance throughout the stint of their training.
Awards
In an effort to acknowledge individuals who excelled during training, awards were presented to four outstanding men and women, namely; Constable Rayon Edwards- Best Marksmanship Principles, Constable Sherwette Watson- Highest Mark Obtained on Course, Constable Cleon Burgher- Best Leadership Qualities and Constable Jamelia Dale- Best All Round Performance. All six Class Captains were also awarded for taking command of their squads and often standing in the gap for their classroom instructors.
The batch was then charged in the keynote speech by the Honourable Dr Horace Chang to stand in the gap between law-abiding citizens and criminals who seek to demoralize and break the society. Finally, he reminded them that their transition from civilians to Police Officers is not one of chance but one that will make the Jamaica Constabulary Force, a force for good.
Pastor Dr. Gary Badoo Fletcher, Chaplain of the JCF, placed the newest constables before Christ, asking for his constant guidance and protection throughout and during their duties.
Signalling the end of the ceremony, batch 156 exhibited highly skilled drill movements in the form of a display that had the crowd buzzing with excitement. Each move was meticulously undertaken with care, agility, and passion as they completed their final task as students of the National Police College of Jamaica.
Watch the full passing out parade here.
